[Shotimes] Grille Name

[Bill Strobel]

There was a discussion a while back about the proper name for the grille commonly called the "Police Grille" that fits the 1989-1991 Taurus.  I was in Colombia at the time and did not have access to my library.  I've been back a month and I am now organized and have had time to research the issue and this is what I found.  The first Police Option for the Taurus was made available in 1991.  As part of this option under Cooling, the brochure and the Source Book (Dealer Facts Book) say "Cooling - Police-level with grille cooling slots"  There is no mention in the Taurus sales brochure, or the Source Book of a grille option to be used in conjunction with towing.  The only towing options are various hitches and some wiring configurations.  In the Source Book there is a master list of available options for 1991 and the grille is not listed separately, the Police Option is.  In the parts book under Group 8200 Grille Radiator there are 2 part numbers listed for the Taurus through 1991
F0DZ-8200 A Police Pkg
F0DZ-8200 B except Police 
Therefore it appears that the grille in question was only used in the Police Package and was not available separately from the factory either by itself or as part of a towing package.  The grille became available in 1991 (why it has a 1990 prefix escapes me).  The first mention of a Taurus Police Pkg or Option is 1991.  In 1992 the grille used in the Police Option was changed to just 1 additional slot at the bottom of the panel instead of the multiple slots on both sides.  If the grille was used as part of a towing package, then it was done at the dealer using over the counter parts.  The grille as designed was intended to be part of the Police Package for the Taurus, hence calling it the Police Grille seems appropriate.    
 





Bill Strobel
Independent Towing
Fayetteville NC

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